FRP Properties Effect on Numerical Deformations in FRP Bars-Reinforced Concrete Elements in Hot Zone

Fiber reinforced polymer (FRP) bars exhibit higher thermal properties in transverse direction with respect to concrete. This difference in transverse thermal properties between FRP and concrete may affect transverse thermal deformations and consequently cracking thermal loadings producing failure of concrete cover. This paper presents a numerical study to investigate the effect of thermal and mechanical properties of FRP bars on circumferential thermal deformations of concrete cylinders axially reinforced with FRP bars under temperature increase up to 60 degrees C using nonlinear finite element models. For concrete in tension, a stress strain relationship with tension softening is used. Whereas, unidirectional FRP bar behavior is considered linear elastic/brittle. The numerical simulation results show significant effects of FRP bars-transverse elasticity modulus on the evolution of transverse thermal deformations in concrete cylinders reinforced with FRP bars under the temperature increase. (C) 2017 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd.